Monday, April 9, 2007

Day 2 in the Cardiovascular ICU and Brianna Better

All of your posts of prayers and healing thoughts help us through these trying days. Although I cannot read them to Brianna yet, I plan on it today. She too gets strength from all of your emails and posts.

Easter for us was really spent bedside with Brianna. She didn't know what day it was and the only indication was a cute little bunny and basket the ICU left for her and later that day, two more Easter baskets from the nurses on 2 north. A note came with it that said, "We miss you Brianna!" When we saw them, we got teary-eyed about their caring so much for her. She has touched the hearts of many people around her at the hospital and we are so proud to be her parents. We thank God for her strong-willed nature, because that has helped her through all of this.

Yesterday, Brianna slept most of the day until late afternoon. A CT scan was ordered in the morning and being that it was Sunday lots of people had to be called in to get it done. At 5 pm, she was taken down to the first floor of the Stanford side of the hospital for the CT. The doctors wanted to get a clear picture of her lungs while she was still on the ventilator. Although she was using it minimally, the more air in her lungs the better the picture. Once the CT was taken her breathing tube could be removed.

Taking patients off ventilators is a tricky thing. They must be awake enough to breath and cough, and yet they shouldn't be too awake that they are in pain. So it took about four hours after the CT before her sleepy medications wore off and about 10 pm the process of removing the tube started. It is a terrible process to watch your child go through and for any of you who have been through this, I just can't imagine. She was in obvious distress. Who wouldn't be with a tube going down your windpipe, blocking your vocal cords, gagging you, but allowing you to breathe?

But like the strong woman that she is, she did everything the nurses and respiratory therapists asked of her. Of course, we were annoyed because she was wincing from the feeling of the tube, trying to cough it out and the therapists is asking for a longer suction tube - which took a few minutes to get. At these times, a few minutes to Brianna is like an eternity. We understood why most of the time they don't allow parents in the room during this process, however we were able to stay. John almost lost it with them asking why they weren't prepared, when they knew they had a 17-year-old who needed adult size equipment rather than a baby and the too small equipment they had.

Once the tube was removed, Brianna was so much more comfortable. She was whispering to us about what she needed and we were so relieved to see her looking more like herself.

The official read of the CT scan will be done this morning, but we were able to see the pictures last night. And we were so happy to see that her upper lobe had opened up significantly. Her two lower lobes, however were still collapsed, and possible deteriorated by the fungal infection. We won't know for sure for some weeks, but Brianna may have to go through this surgery again to remove one or both of the two lower lobes. At this point, only time will tell, but our dream would be that at least one more opens. Also, we just hope and pray that the area around her lungs does not fill up with fluid again. It won't for now because she has the chest tubes, but those should be coming out some time this week.

The nurses will be making Brianna cough and use the breathing incentive barometer to ensure that her lungs function well. THey will be getting her up and walking today too. As long as she is on her pain medication and with the will and determination she has, we know she will do well with this.

We are taking one day at a time right now, and I will be meeting with the doctor this morning around 10:30 to learn more. I can't say it enought though, your prayers and positive thoughts are so very appreciated. Thank you.

11 comments:

CCs Whimsies said...

Iva... No words.... just hugs and loves.... We are praying very hard. Love Crusty

Disgusted Cats said...

Hello darlings,
We are sending all our love. Know we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us!!! Let his love and peace surround you; rest in it, and know He will provide.
Love, Joanne

Kari Bovee said...

Hey there,
I think my whole tennis team knows you and Brianna by now! Prayer is an important part of many of their lives and they have been praying and praying for Brianna. Many of them ask about her and I have shared with them all your ups and downs, although I am not as well versed in the medical jargon as you have become! Lots of love and prayers are heading your way. I am so proud of both of you! Cuki, Brianna gets her strength from somewhere you know. You are an awesome mom! xoxoxox Kari

Henry Stokes said...

John & Iva,

We are following Brianna's (and your) trials and progress on the blog. Your family is in our prayers --for healing and strength to sustain you through this ordeal.

Your old friends from Memphis are pulling for all of you.

Henry

Unknown said...

My thoughts are with you all. I am keeping you in my prayers Brianna... be well soon!
Lori

Stacy French said...

We continue to keep Brianna in our thoughts and prayers as do the Sister's of St. Joseph who have Brianna's name in their prayer book. God Bless you all.
hugs,
stacy

JoEllen said...

Oh so glad that Brianna will be more comfortable today. Getting up will be a blessing. Brianna you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your sweet personality has touched everyone. Even Easter baskets from staff. Sometimes we do not understand how God works but you are touching lives sweety. May you be strengthened in body and soul this day and the days to follow. Many hugs to all of you.

JoEllen

Kathy's Prims said...

Sending love, prayers and good vibes your way Iva!! Stay strong and believe that with God, all things are possible. Matthew 26:19.

Maria said...

Dear Brianna,

We are praying every day and know that you will have the strength to recover. WE LOVE YOU VERY,VERY, VERY MUCH!!!We have alot of friends praying for you, so please know that you are sent alot of love, strength and healing.
Love,
Aunt Maria

Kingfisher Farm said...

Hello and welcome back from your out of body experience Brianna!!Do you remember any of it?? I bet you have some stories to tell! I am still wishing the pink and aqua blue ponies dance in your dreams! ( I'm hoping they were entertaining! )You will get stronger, no hill for a climber like you! Spring is here and soon you will be strolling outside I just know it!!! Hugs, Pam

Kitty Forseth said...

Hello my friend..

Thank you so much for the effort you put into this blog. It must be incredibly difficult for you, but it is so good for us to be able to keep up with the latest developments.

All of the EHAG'ers send their prayers and positive thoughts, there is so much support for you there!

Please tell Brianna that we all admire her strength, and hope that she will soon be back on her feet.

As for you my friend, I can only try to imagine what you are going through.. thank God for John.. Just know that I love you very, very much and I'm here for you.

Hugsssssss and kissesssssss~

Kitty